“Glassboro is a great opportunity for me,” Abbruzzese said Monday. “Bigger town, bigger projects.”

Abbruzzese, former Main Street Woodbury executive director, was appointed to the Woodbury position under a one-year contract less than a year ago.

“I believe it was her choice to leave,” Mayor Ron Riskie said. “I’ve made several references to renew her contract in the beginning of the year... Behind the scenes, council did do some action that I thought led to an agreement.”

Riskie himself has made it more than clear — publicly oftentimes — that he wanted Abbruzzese to remain in her role for longer than a year.

“I think she was frustrated because there were no contract negotiations in the winter,” Riskie said. “But I think there was a fair offer made to her and I think she caught everyone by surprise.”

She was under contract with the city for $55,000 annually — nearly $13,000 less than she’s expected to make in her new role.

“There was no communication of any merit until May,” Abbruzzese said about a renewed contract with the city. She said she was more or less in job-hunting mode at the end of the day.

In the duration of Abbruzzese’s stint in the county seat, a Bottom Dollar discount grocer was contracted to open on Broad Street and the highly-contentious G.G. Green Building debate ended with a plan to revitalize the historic structure.

In addition, two successful eateries — Marlene Mangia Bene and The County Seat Diner — became two of the business district’s newest neighbors.

A number of the city’s business owners have touted about Abbruzzese’s assistance and abilities.

“I believe that in my short tenure here, I’ve been able to help business owners connect with the city,” she said Monday. “I think what I’ve done in Woodbury in 11 months is a big deal for the city. I’m proud of that.”

Abbruzzese said the split with Woodbury was an amicable one.

“There’s a lot of work to be done [in Woodbury],” Abbruzzese said. “I’m sure the mayor and council will get it done.”

Riskie said he hopes to retain the position and focus on redevelopment in the city. He expects a hiring process to begin and said council will have to decide whether they are looking for an immediate replacement or if they want to wait until the new year.

“[Abbruzzese] has done an excellent job,” Riskie said. “What she started, unfortunately, she wasn’t able to finish. But we’re going to stay on the redevelopment track and continue on that same course.”